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Bill

36-0098

An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Caribbean Buzz, LLC for a portion of Remainder Parcel No. 3B Estate Susannaberg, 1 7A Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands for the purpose of operating and managing a helicopter transportation service at the existing helipad and for other permitted purposes

2025-2026 Regular Session

Virgin Islands government leases public St. John land to Caribbean Buzz, LLC to operate helicopter transportation service at existing helipad facility.

Introduced
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0098

Legislative bill overview

Bill 36-0098 authorizes the Virgin Islands government to lease a portion of government-owned land (Remainder Parcel No. 3B) in St. John to Caribbean Buzz, LLC for operating a helicopter transportation service at an existing helipad. The lease agreement has already been approved by the Governor and is now moving through the legislative approval process.

Why is this important

This lease represents a commercial use of public property and commits government land to a private operator for an indefinite or long-term period. The decision affects public asset management, potential revenue generation for the territorial government, and accessibility of helicopter services for residents and visitors on St. John.

Potential points of contention

  • Terms and financial benefit: The bill text does not specify lease duration, rental rates, or revenue terms, making it unclear what financial value the government receives or whether terms are competitive
  • Public access and pricing: No provisions appear to address whether the helicopter service will remain affordable for residents or if pricing is controlled, potentially limiting access to emergency/medical transport
  • Environmental and noise impacts: St. John is part of the Virgin Islands National Park; helicopter operations create noise and environmental concerns that may not be adequately addressed in this approval
  • Transparency of prior negotiations: The lease appears pre-negotiated with limited public input opportunity, raising questions about competitive bidding and stakeholder consultation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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